On the TV series “Huge,” Nikki Blonsky and Hayley Hasselhoff play plump teens battling self-esteem issues. In this interview, the actresses share their own experiences growing up plus-size and what they want teens, and parents, to learn from their new show…

They don't fit the waify Hollywood mold, but actresses Nikki Blonsky, 21, and Hayley Hasselhoff, 17, are making successful careers based on their body type.

Blonsky made it big in the movie musical “Hairspray,” playing a gutsy, overweight teen with a passion for dance.

And Hasselhoff – daughter of “Baywatch” star David – began her career as a plus-size model, eventually becoming a spokesperson for the teen clothing line Torrid for girls size 12-28.

The two are now starring in the ABC Family show, “Huge,” about kids attending a weight-loss camp.

As the series gears up for its season finale, airing this Monday, we asked the actresses what it was like being a plus-size teen, how their families helped shape their self-esteem and what messages they hope families take away from their success.

Have either of you ever gone to a fat camp?Blonsky: No. I was so blessed to grow up in a nurturing family.

I was told since I was a child that I was their beautiful little girl. So I didn’t think my weight defined me or made me any less beautiful.

I was never made to go any place to lose weight. And I never felt pressure to lose weight.

I always thought that if you want something bad enough and have the chops, you can do it.

I believe that’s how everything has happened for me – because of the support and the power of my family behind me.

When you were growing up, did you hear mean comments about your weight from other kids?Blonsky: I never heard anything negative until elementary and middle school. That was the first time I ever heard the word “fat.” I was like, “What’s that?”

I didn’t really understand it. I went home and told my mom that’s what kids were calling me. And, of course, it broke her heart.

Although it upset your mother, it doesn’t sound like being teased by other kids bothered you that much.Blonsky: My grandmother told me that kids make fun of you because they’re insecure in themselves. That’s when everything changed for me.

I realized that, “You know what? At least I’m comfortable and secure with who I am. I like my body and personality and I’m going to work with it."

So, now I think everybody should just work with what your momma gave you and have fun. You only get one chance, so live and let live.

Having come from families that supported you, what has it been like to shoot this series and experience what other overweight kids deal with?Blonsky: The series is groundbreaking.

Hasselhoff: It’s a show that comes out and says, “Hey, look, we’re not all the same and that’s OK. It’s OK to be feeling this way.”

But you don’t have to be a size 14 to enjoy it.

Why do you believe this show is so important for teens?Blonsky: I don’t think there has ever been a full plus-size cast on TV before.

And the media’s message to children is that you have to be really thin to be in this industry.

But that’s not true. Look at me! I’m a plus-sized actress working on a TV show.

How do you feel about the stick-thin images of women that most kids see on TV?Hasselhoff: That’s what’s messed up [about] society.

Why aren’t we advertising plus-sized people? That’s most of America. Why do we only have to show size 2 girls and Victoria’s Secret models?

They’re beautiful, but at the end of the day, that’s not a normal-size person. What about being voluptuous and curvy, and having what you were born with?

We weren’t meant to look, feel or act the same. This show addresses that.

Blonsky:We’ve put so much media pressure on kids, it almost puts them down by saying, “You’re plus-size, and that’s bad.”

It’s hard on kids, because the people in these magazines have meal services, trainers and all this stuff to look really skinny and lean.

They have the money to do that. Middle America doesn’t.

Finally, kids have a show that says, “Hey, look! We’re all plus-sized. We’re all actors, and we’re up here on TV once a week.”

With “Huge,” they’ll be able to tune in and to say, “Hey, those kids look like us and are going through issues like we do.”

We don’t just deal with the weight issue. We deal with body issues, sexual orientation, eating disorders, you name it.

Nikki, how did your family help you maintain your positive attitude?Blonsky: My parents taught me to do things that make me feel good about myself and make me happy.

Hayley, what was it like growing up as David Hasselhoff’s daughter? Is that what made you want to become an actress?Hasselhoff: I grew up on sets with my dad. From then on I knew that this was what I wanted to do.

I started going to acting classes and grew this humungous passion for it.

The biggest misconception about being a famous person’s daughter is that I just get handed the roles. In reality, my dad has made me work for everything I’ve gotten.

In what ways?Hasselhoff: He made me take acting classes for seven years before I could get an agent. He wanted me to be prepared and be able to do it on my own.

I’m so grateful for that, because I want to work for everything I’ve gotten.

And getting this show is an amazing accomplishment because it’s sending a great message out there.

Your series takes place at a camp where counselors push campers to exercise to lose weight. What are the show's physical demands?Blonsky: My abs are killing me right now. The other day I was doing sit-ups for two hours straight.

It’s quite physically demanding, but we manage to keep it to a minimum.

Do you exercise when you’re not filming?Hasselhoff: Yes, I go to Barry’s Bootcamp [a small chain of famed celeb exercise studios in West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and San Diego, Calif.)

Blonsky: This show has kept us so active. That’s my personal exercise.

I’m on set, like, 15 hours a day. And when you’re hiking in Malibu [where the show is filmed], you’re going up those hills and mountains.

That’s enough of a workout. Hiking to the craft services truck is a workout itself!

To help your child maintain a healthy weight, balance the calories your child consumes from foods and beverages with the calories they use through physical activity and normal growth.

Remember that the goal for overweight and obese children and teens is to reduce the rate of weight gain while allowing normal growth and development. Children and teens should NOT be placed on a weight reduction diet without the consultation of a health care provider.

Encourage healthy eating habits.There's no great secret to healthy eating. To help your children and family develop healthy eating habits:

Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products.

Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products.

Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein.

Serve reasonably-sized portions.

Encourage your family to drink lots of water.

Limit sugar-sweetened beverages.

Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat.

Help kids stay active.Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. Remember that children imitate adults. Start adding physical activity to your own daily routine and encourage your child to join you.

Some examples of moderate intensity physical activity include:

Brisk walking

Playing tag

Jumping rope

Playing soccer

Swimming

Dancing

Are You Confident?Confidence is hard to define but easy to spot. A person who is self-confident does not unrealistically fear the unknown and is willing to risk embarrassment, even when she is standing up for unpopular beliefs. Are you a confident person? Take our quiz and find out!

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